29th Jun 2005 07:00
Inchcape PLC29 June 2005 29 June 2005 Inchcape pre-close trading statement Inchcape plc, the international automotive services group, enters a close periodon 1 July 2005 ahead of its Interim results announcement, for the six monthsended 30 June 2005, on 1 August 2005. Inchcape's trading performance continues in line with expectations, as set outin its AGM trading statement issued on 12 May 2005. We are continuing the earnings enhancing £65.0m share buy back programme,previously announced in our Preliminary results statement on 28 February 2005.As at close of business on 28 June 2005, c. £31.0m has been returned toshareholders through the purchase of c. 1.7m shares at an average price of£18.46p per share. Inchcape continues to benefit from its broad geographic spread and strongoperational performance. The overall trading conditions seen to date leave usconfident that 2005 will show further progress for Inchcape, and we are wellplaced to continue with our record of profit growth and strong cash generation. Notes to editors Inchcape, an international automotive services group, provides qualityrepresentation for its manufacturer partners, a choice of channels to market andproducts for its retail customers and a range of business services for itscorporate customers. Operations are focused on the UK, Greece, Belgium,Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Inchcape's activities include exclusiveImport, Distribution and Retail, Business Services, automotive E-commerce andFinancial Services. Our key manufacturer partners are Toyota/Lexus, Subaru, BMW,the Premier Automotive Group of Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. For further information, please contact: Group Communications, Inchcape plc 020 7546 0022Hogarth Partnership Limited (John Olsen/Barnaby Fry) 020 7357 9477or visit us at www.inchcape.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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